Understanding instructional design with expert Keith Gray | AHDT S2#58

In today's episode I am joined by Keith Gray. Keith currently is an expert in instructional design and dangerous goods, running his own business covering both areas. In his career he has spent almost 13 years with the FTA (Freight Transport Association) building and then heading up their training department. Keith shares amazing insights about training.

I really enjoyed interviewing Keith and it has delivered a fantastic episode so do enjoy.

The 6 areas we discuss are;

1. How a trade association works

2. The Training Budget – statutory vs non-statutory training (inc. quasi statutory)

3. A Transport Manager’s professional development – beyond TM CPC

4. Instructional Design principles – why thinking often trumps doing when it comes to designing content

5. the beauty of Lifelong learning - see book recommendations below!

6. DGSA Academy

Book recommendations are;

Obliquity by John Kay – really interesting book from renowned economist about how life’s goals are best approached indirectly.

The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker – the Grandfather of management consultancy and a very sharp mind. Many of his original concepts (SMART / management by objectives) have been so embedded into business as usual that we have long forgot the origin.

21 Letters on Life and Its Challenges by Charles Handy – Although his books are about organisational dynamics, he’s really a philosopher at heart. His books are beautifully written - accessible but you also feel like you’ve learned something on every page.

The Second Curve by Charles Handy – yes, chucked another in. He makes you stand back with him and shows you a different view on the accepted principles of society and life in general.

Business Model Generation by Alex Ostewalder – This became an instant business classic on strategy when it came out. It takes a look at how different business models work (and what specifically makes them work). The ‘canvas’ in there is really useful as a lens for your own business.

Good to Great by Jim Collins – perhaps a bit dated when you look at the case studies but another good one about business principles.

Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen – a good primer on Instructional Design